Looking for a quick, tasty meal that packs a flavor punch? My Honey Garlic Meatball Skillet is just what you need! This dish is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll enjoy juicy meatballs bathed in a sweet and savory sauce. Plus, with wholesome ingredients you probably already have, cooking this dish is a breeze. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious meal!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements the meatballs.
- Customizable: You can easily substitute ground turkey or add your favorite herbs and spices to the meatball mixture for a personal touch.
- Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs freeze well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them later!
Ingredients
To make Honey Garlic Meatball Skillet, you need some key ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to the dish. Here’s what you need:
- Ground beef or turkey
- Breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce
- Honey, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar
- Sesame oil and parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Using ground beef or turkey gives your meatballs a great base. Breadcrumbs add a nice texture, while Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick. Minced garlic brings that rich flavor we all love.
Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce work together to deepen the taste. Honey, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar create a sweet and tangy sauce. Sesame oil adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the meatballs. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning!
You can easily find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. Make sure to pick fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra taste. This list makes it easy to whip up a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing the Meatball Ingredients
First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Then, mix in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Crack in 1 large egg and pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Finally, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything well. You want a nice, smooth blend.
Shaping and Cooking the Meatballs
Now it’s time to shape the mixture into meatballs. Roll them into small balls, about 1 inch wide. This should give you around 20 meatballs. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Once it’s hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they brown on all sides. They should be cooked through when done.
Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the meatballs cook, let’s make the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Mix until it’s smooth and well combined. This sauce will bring the sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
Combining Meatballs with the Sauce
Once the meatballs are brown and cooked through, it’s time to add the sauce. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Gently toss the meatballs to cover them in the sauce. Let them simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce will thicken a bit. When it’s ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Now, you’re ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Perfectly Round Meatballs
To make round meatballs, wet your hands with water. This helps keep the meat from sticking. Take a small amount of the meat mixture, about the size of a golf ball. Roll it gently in your palms. This will help shape it into a nice round ball. If you want uniform size, use a cookie scoop. This tool makes it easy to get the same amount each time.
Recommended Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat. It takes about 8-10 minutes for them to brown nicely. You want a nice golden color on all sides. Make sure they are cooked through by checking the center. The meat should be no longer pink. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey.
Enhancing Flavor with Additional Ingredients
You can boost flavor by adding herbs or spices. Fresh basil or oregano works well. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. If you love umami, try adding a splash of fish sauce to the meat mixture. For a sweeter twist, add a bit more honey to the sauce. You can even toss in some chopped bell peppers or onions while the meatballs cook for extra flavor and nutrition.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality ground meat will elevate the flavor of your meatballs significantly.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or ketchup in the sauce for your preferred sweetness level.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making for a quick meal option later.

Variations
Using Different Types of Meat
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both options work well. They give you leaner meatballs. The taste stays rich and delicious. You might find turkey makes the meatballs a bit lighter. Ground pork also adds a nice flavor. Mix it up and find your favorite!
Vegetarian or Vegan Alternatives
For a meat-free option, use plant-based meat. There are many great brands available now. You can even try lentils or chickpeas. They give a lovely texture and taste. Just mash them well, then mix in breadcrumbs and spices. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish!
Customizing the Honey Garlic Sauce
You can change the honey garlic sauce to fit your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more honey! Prefer a little spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes or sriracha. You can also switch ketchup for barbecue sauce. This gives a smoky flavor. Experiment until you find your perfect sauce combination!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Meatballs
To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them well. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat them within this time.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, heat them in a skillet. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. Cook on medium heat for about five to seven minutes. You can also microwave them for quick reheating. Just cover the bowl to trap steam. Heat for one to two minutes, checking often.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, freeze the meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make honey garlic meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and sauce as directed. After cooking, let them cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I serve with honey garlic meatballs?
Honey garlic meatballs are great with various sides. Here are some tasty options:
- Cooked rice
- Quinoa
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Noodles
Each of these adds flavor and texture to your meal.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
To heat up the sauce, add ingredients like:
- Red pepper flakes
- Sriracha sauce
- Fresh chopped chili peppers
Start with a small amount, then taste as you go. This way, you can find the right spice level for your taste.
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just cook them according to package instructions until heated through. Then, add the honey garlic sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. This makes for a quick and easy meal option!
You learned the simple steps to make delicious honey garlic meatballs. We discussed the different ingredients, how to mix and shape them, and ways to prepare the sauce. You can enhance your meatballs with tips for perfect shapes and flavors. There are also great variations and storage tips to keep them fresh.
Try this recipe to impress family and friends. It’s easy, fun, and very tasty! Enjoy your cooking adventur

Honey Garlic Meatball Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
- as needed Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This should yield around 20 meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, in a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar.
- Once the meatballs are thoroughly cooked, pour the honey garlic sauce over them in the skillet. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them in the sauce and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

